IN THE lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10, NHS Borders is encouraging people to recognise that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention.

The theme of WSPD this year is Creating Hope Through Action, and we want to encourage you to create hope by showing people Time, Space and Compassion. 

READ MORE: Golden eagle numbers in the south of Scotland quadruple

Offering people your time, giving them space to talk and showing them compassion can go a long way in helping to save someone’s life.

Several events are set to be held across the Scottish Borders around the date of World Suicide Prevention Day.

On Thursday September 7, NHS Borders Public Health team will have a stall at Galashiels Transport Interchange from 10:30am – 2:30pm.

Support, resources and information about looking after your mental health will be available as well as a ‘board of hope’ where NHS Borders are inviting you to tell them about what gives you hope.

On Friday September 15, a ‘Hopeful Steps Walk’ will take place at 2pm, leaving from Gala Rugby Club.

Whether you have been affected by suicide in any way or not, everyone is welcome to come along to walk and talk about what gives you hope.

Coming together to talk helps to reduce the stigma around suicide.

READ MORE: Police seize motorbike from disqualified driver on A7

There will also be an opportunity to access support and resources after the walk. If you are interested in attending, you can register and find out more information here.

As part of WSPD, we are also asking you to consider what actions you can take as individuals, communities, and organisations to help prevent suicide.

 Consider signing up to improve your skills and knowledge in mental health and suicide prevention by finding out what training we offer here.

We would also encourage you to consider signing up to the United to Prevent Suicide movement. The movement involves people from across Scotland who are united in a shared belief that everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Click here to find out more.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, Director of Public Health at NHS Borders, said: “Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, it is important to highlight to anyone struggling that there is a lot of support available to you.

"It’s important to be open about how you’re feeling with someone you trust. Family and friends can be a great source of support, just by listening to how you are feeling and talking things through with you. Please reach out to someone if you are feeling low.

“We would like to encourage as many people as possible to come along to our events, as coming together and talking about suicide is one of the best ways we can reduce the stigma and show people that there is hope for everyone.”